The City of Simi Valley is proud to recognize Chaplain Bill Martin as the City's 2026 Volunteer of the Year. The Simi Valley City Council recently honored Bill for his outstanding dedication to the Police Department and the community.

At nearly 90 years old and with more than 500 volunteer hours dedicated to serving others, Bill is a deserving honoree. As a Police Chaplain, he brings an uplifting presence to police briefings, DUI checkpoints, and moments of crisis, providing support and encouragement to officers, their families, and community members. He also volunteers weekly with the Knights of Columbus at St. Rose of Lima Church, helping provide meals to individuals experiencing homelessness.

"Bill is a dedicated and hardworking individual who is always willing to roll up his sleeves and assist the community in achieving its objectives and initiatives," said Simi Valley Police Chief Steve Shorts. "He does a remarkable job as a Police Chaplain, and his upbeat, positive attitude, along with his unwavering willingness to support residents and employees in their times of need, makes him truly exceptional."

Simi Valley's strong sense of community is built on the generosity and dedication of its volunteers. The City is grateful for the thousands of individuals who give their time to serve others, and each year the City Council recognizes one exceptional volunteer whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the community.

To watch the City Volunteer of the Year presentation honoring Chaplain Bill Martin, visit the City’s website to view the City Council meeting on June 22, 2026. 

For more information about the City of Simi Valley and its programs and services, visit www.simivalley.org.